If the Fast and the Furious franchise has achieved cult status today, a lot of credit goes to Vin Diesel who has been the face of the films spanning 10 staggering installments. With Fast X due to release soon, the actor has cemented his place as one of the biggest action heroes of his generation. Diesel also became hugely popular when he entered the Marvel Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Playing a tree named Groot among a motley group of intergalactic superheroes, Vin Diesel’s iconic one-liner in the film “I am Groot” spoken in the actor’s deep and gruff voice became stuff of legend among Marvel fans and audiences across the globe. But the actor was not always enthusiastic about playing the role of a tree and was originally considered to be a part of the Marvel Universe in a different capacity.
Here’s How Groot Fell Into Vin Diesel’s Lap
When Vin Diesel first met with Marvel Studios, it was at a very early stage when he was reportedly in the talks for appearing in Marvel’s Phase 3 films which was still yet to get off the ground then. While Diesel was of the opinion that he was in the running for a role in the Avengers films, Marvel Head Kevin Feige and director James Gunn had other plans for the star and sent him the script to play Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy. Diesel though was uncertain despite loving the visual art, as the role required him to play a tree.
But when the actor heard that his character would play a pivotal role with just one dialogue throughout the film, Diesel took up the unique challenge. His decision was made even easier by his daughter at home. Speaking of her reaction the action star said,
“To make sure I was on the right track I took the book of conceptual art into the room with my kids and I opened it up to the page where all five Guardians of the Galaxy characters are and I say, ‘Who do you think they want daddy to play?’ And my daughter so quickly pointed to Groot. From that moment on I was Groot,”
To officially seal the deal, Marvel sent a giant figure to Vin Diesel’s house, which the actor called a clever and potent move. Thanks to that and the conviction of his daughter, Diesel became synonymous with one of Marvel’s most loved characters.
Vin Diesel Is Emotionally Connected To The Fast And The Furious Franchise
Its been an era for Vin Diesel and the Fast and the Furious franchise and the actor reportedly has no plans to slow down. From making his name in Hollywood to considering the franchise as family, Vin Diesel’s association with the popular action film series is one for the books. Speaking at the recent Comic Con ahead of the release of Fast X in May, the star was emotional as he went down memory lane.
“This is our family. The audience is our family. And as we were building toward this achievement, we were attracting directors who each brought their own magic to the saga. I’m proud to say for two decades, the Fast films have been the most successful film of every one of our directors’ careers,”
Diesel also thanked his fans and audiences for being instrumental in the success of the Fast films and making them a cult series. The star heaped praise by saying that the love he received from his fans was more significant than being recognised for an Oscar.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 releases in theaters on May 5th, 2023
Fast X releases in theaters on May 19th, 2023
Also Read: Fast X Star Vin Diesel Trolled Body-shamers With Rock Hard Abs after ‘Ultimate Dad Bod’ Criticism
Source: Cheatsheet
